Here's a couple more questions:
I was always under the impression that even though we sin (as believers) we are not punished for those sins. God may discipline us (for our own sanctification) but He doesn't punish us.........right...?
Secondly, when we die, are God's elect going to be judged for our sins? When Paul says in Romans 8:1 that, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" should I assume that when I die, I won't be judged because I am in Christ Jesus OR that I will be judged, but that judgment will not be condemnation?
(sorry, my questions are sorta messy because my mind is also!)
7 comments:
I'm hesitant to answer because of the vagueness of the words "punish" and "judge".
Vagueness? Hmm...
Maybe an example will help:
If I go and steal something, and I am saved....if I ask for forgiveness and...let's say I get $100.00 stolen from me, COULD that be God's punishment towards my sin? (I know that's impossible to say for sure, but "could" that be possible?) Or are we not punished for our sins since they've already been forgiven?
I would say sin is punished by death, so having $100 stolen from you would not constitute punishment for your sin. Rather, it could be a form of discipline, as you referred to in your original post.
I believe everyone will be judged, even those whose names are written in the Book of Life. (See e.g., Revelation or the parables about the final judgment.) However those whose names are written in the Book of Life are found not guilty--in fact righteous--by virtue of their union with Christ.
So when we die, are we immediately judged or do we wait for Christ to come back to judge the world?
Eschatology is definitely not my forte, but the Bible indicates that both events occur. At death the believer resides in heaven, whereas the unbeliever is in Sheol/Hades. After dying, our physical bodies remain on Earth until we are given imperishable bodies.
Regarding my last comment, I was merely implying that because after death some go to heaven but others do not, this must have been caused by some kind of judgment. Some might say that that this judgment is synonymous with the final judgment, and if they do, I won't object.
This may be an example of the "already/not yet" paradigm that we find in Scripture.
Tis a bit confusing I'd say, but your thoughts are a blessing and have given me something to think about :D
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